Cop Killer And A Racist Serial Killer | DOUBLE EPISODE | THE FBI FILES

The FBI Files・2 minutes read

Crime in Washington D.C. escalated with gangs and a cop killer terrorizing the city, leading to increased violence against police officers. The FBI and police collaboration led to the identification and pursuit of the suspect Ralph McLean, ultimately bringing an end to the cop killer's reign of terror through a complex investigation and eventual arrest.

Insights

  • The FBI, in collaboration with local law enforcement, successfully tracked down and apprehended Ralph McLean, a cop killer responsible for multiple shootings of police officers in Washington D.C., showcasing the effectiveness of joint task forces in solving violent crimes.
  • FBI profiler John Douglas's analysis of the 22 Caliber Killer case revealed the possibility of two distinct serial killers targeting black men in the Buffalo area, emphasizing the importance of behavioral analysis in identifying patterns and potential suspects in complex criminal investigations.

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Recent questions

  • Who was the cop killer in Washington D.C.?

    Ralph McLean

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Summary

00:00

Police vs Gangs: The Battle for Justice

  • Crime in Washington D.C. had reached epidemic levels, with gangs fighting over drug turf and leaving corpses in their wake.
  • The metropolitan police force was overwhelmed as the homicide rate climbed to over 400 per year.
  • The police turned to the FBI for help in stopping a cop killer who was targeting officers.
  • On January 10, 1995, Officer Vance Warren was shot while on a dinner break at a fast food restaurant.
  • The shooter's sole purpose seemed to be to kill the officer, with no attempt at robbery.
  • Forensic evidence recovered from the scene included two 32 Caliber slugs and a black ski mask.
  • Officer Warren survived with minor injuries, but the violence continued with more attacks on police officers.
  • Officer Eric Hayes was shot four times while in his patrol car on January 17, 1995.
  • The assailant's gun was recovered, along with six used shell casings, leading to a search for the suspect.
  • The FBI and police worked together to identify the suspect, Ralph McLean, who was eventually apprehended with the help of an eyewitness and forensic evidence.

23:40

Manhunt for Cop Killer Ends in Tragedy

  • Investigators obtained a warrant to find Ralph McLean, a suspected cop killer who had fled the area.
  • McLean was wanted for shooting three police officers, killing one, in Washington D.C.
  • Nadine, McLean's girlfriend, was under police protection and cooperated with investigators to track McLean's movements.
  • McLean was tracked to Fredericksburg, Virginia, but evaded arrest.
  • McLean was monitored traveling south to Florida without disclosing a specific location.
  • Authorities planned to surprise McLean to catch him, keeping his name out of the media.
  • McLean was pulled over in South Carolina for a moving violation but was let go after a routine check.
  • Detectives tried to lure McLean back to Washington D.C. by promising a reconciliation with Nadine.
  • McLean agreed to meet Nadine at a shopping mall in Northern Virginia, where FBI SWAT teams prepared for his arrest.
  • McLean ambushed and shot FBI agent Billy Christian, leading to a confrontation where McLean ultimately shot himself.

48:06

"22 Caliber Killer Targets Police Officers"

  • The cop killer had a goal of targeting police officers, leading to the deaths of Agent Billy Christian and Officer John Novobilski.
  • Agent Billy Christian, a 20-year FBI agent, was a skilled marksman, firearms instructor, and member of various tactical teams.
  • Agent William Christian and Officer John Novobilski were honored on the law enforcement memorial for their sacrifice.
  • A serial killer in Western New York targeted victims based on their skin color, causing fear in the community.
  • The killer left spent shell casings as the only evidence, prompting the involvement of an FBI profiler.
  • In Buffalo, a sniper targeted African-American men, creating racial tensions and fear in the city.
  • A series of shootings occurred, with victims like Glenn Dunn, Harold Green, and Emmanuel Thomas falling prey to the killer.
  • The killer used a 22-caliber weapon in all shootings, leaving behind spent cartridge casings as a common link.
  • The killer was dubbed the "22 Caliber Killer" by the press due to his targeting of African-American men.
  • The FBI became involved in the case, creating a composite sketch of the suspect and expanding the investigation across multiple states and even into Canada.

01:09:50

"Unsolved Murders: The 22 Caliber Killer"

  • Workers in Amherst found an abandoned taxi on October 8, 1980, leading to the discovery of the murdered cab driver, Tyler Edwards.
  • Edwards had been bludgeoned to death, with his skull and teeth found in the trunk, along with his heart removed.
  • The investigation into Edwards' murder raised suspicions due to the absence of a 22 caliber rifle and his race.
  • The Buffalo area saw a surge in manpower and resources dedicated to solving the murders, with no leads leading to a suspect.
  • Ernest Jones, another cab driver, was found murdered with his throat slashed and heart removed, adding to the string of killings.
  • Authorities were unsure if one or two serial killers were targeting black men in the area.
  • FBI profiler John Douglas was called in to provide insight into the 22 Caliber Killer, suggesting there might be two distinct killers at large.
  • Douglas highlighted the differences in the killings, indicating a personal type of serial killer targeting cab drivers.
  • The Midtown Slasher in New York City mirrored the 22 Caliber Killer's profile, targeting black men with a knife.
  • By early 1981, the 22 Caliber Killer seemed to have disappeared, with investigations ongoing in both New York City and Buffalo.

01:30:27

"22 Caliber Killer: Joseph Christopher's Profile"

  • The killings in New York State ceased after the discovery of the second cab driver's death until almost Christmas of 1980, when four killings occurred in New York City, attributed to Joseph Christopher, who was in the Army in Georgia at the time.
  • Joseph Gerard Christopher matched the 22 Caliber Killer profile as a white male in his early 30s, possibly a loner, with a history of menial labor and seeking psychiatric care.
  • Investigators tracked down Christopher's friends, like David Robinson, who mentioned Christopher's gun collection, including a 22 Ruger rifle, and a sawed-off gun barrel.
  • FBI agents found metal-rimmed glasses and khaki clothing in Christopher's bedroom, matching witness descriptions, and discovered an underground firing range in his basement with a rotary magazine, supporting the theory of the killer's weapon concealment in a paper bag.
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